Latest news with #ZHO
Gulf Today
12-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
ZHO raises voices of special people at COSP18
During its participation in the official side event of the COSP18 conference in New York, the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) highlighted inspiring stories, innovative solutions, and called for inclusive and comprehensive partnerships. The Organisation reaffirmed its leadership in bringing the UAE's experience in empowering and integrating People of Determination to global forums, through its active participation in the official side event at the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18), held at the United Nations headquarters in New York under the theme: 'Empowering Inclusive Development through Disability-Inclusive Action and Effective Partnerships.' During the session, organised by the ZHO in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the United Nations and Rehabilitation International, a distinguished group of decision-makers, experts, and activists from around the world gathered. The Organisation delivered a global call to action for joint work, continued collaboration, transcending borders, and fostering inclusion and empowerment for People of Determination in every aspect. It also conveyed a clear message to the world: empowerment only happens through partnership, and the future cannot be truly inclusive unless all people, in all their diversity, are at the centre of policies and programmes. During the session, the ZHO announced the launch of the International Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, a specialised research platform that enhances the scientific impact to serve People of Determination globally. Established in partnership with Rehabilitation International, the journal aims to promote impactful scientific research that makes a difference in the lives of People of Determination worldwide. In his recorded opening remarks, Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the ZHO and Vice President of Rehabilitation International for the MENA Region, emphasised the importance of collective action to enhance inclusion across borders from the UAE to the world. He stated, 'Our participation in this event reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to making inclusion and integration a sustainable approach that guarantees equal opportunities for People of Determination to participate, excel, and lead. At the ZHO, we believe that inclusion is not optional, it is essential to build a more just and sustainable future.' WAM
Sharjah 24
11-06-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
ZHO raises voices of People of Determination from UN platform
The Organisation reaffirmed its leadership in bringing the UAE's experience in empowering and integrating People of Determination to global forums The Organisation reaffirmed its leadership in bringing the UAE's experience in empowering and integrating People of Determination to global forums, through its active participation in the official side event at the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18), held at the United Nations headquarters in New York under the theme: "Empowering Inclusive Development through Disability-Inclusive Action and Effective Partnerships." During the session, organised by the ZHO in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the United Nations and Rehabilitation International, a distinguished group of decision-makers, experts, and activists from around the world gathered. The Organisation delivered a global call to action for joint work, continued collaboration, transcending borders, and fostering inclusion and empowerment for People of Determination in every aspect. It also conveyed a clear message to the world: empowerment only happens through partnership, and the future cannot be truly inclusive unless all people, in all their diversity, are at the centre of policies and programmes. ZHO announced the launch of the International Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies During the session, the ZHO announced the launch of the International Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, a specialised research platform that enhances the scientific impact to serve People of Determination globally. Established in partnership with Rehabilitation International, the journal aims to promote impactful scientific research that makes a difference in the lives of People of Determination worldwide. In his recorded opening remarks, Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organisation and Vice President of Rehabilitation International for the MENA Region, emphasised the importance of collective action to enhance inclusion across borders from the UAE to the world. He stated, 'Our participation in this event reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to making inclusion and integration a sustainable approach that guarantees equal opportunities for People of Determination to participate, excel, and lead. At the ZHO, we believe that inclusion is not optional, it is essential to build a more just and sustainable future. Through this session, we have shared successful human experiences, based on a national vision of empowerment, with countries around the world. We are not here to promote achievement, but to present a practical model that reflects the vision of our wise leadership for an inclusive society that provides opportunities and supports human diversity.' He added, 'We do not merely provide care and rehabilitation services, but we are building an empowerment ecosystem that believes every individual, regardless of their abilities, has a role in the development process. This is not just a slogan, but a national commitment reinforced by the UAE's policies and implemented by the ZHO in all its initiatives.' Al Humaidan also addressed the participants from different countries: 'People of Determination are not just a topic for discussion at conferences—they are partners in policymaking and solutions. This is a firm belief we hold, embodied in our partnerships with both the public and private sectors, and with international organisations.' Success Stories and Inclusive Solutions In a paper titled 'Success Stories and Inclusive Solutions' presented by Abdullah Al Kamali, Executive Director of the People of Determination Sector at the Organisation, he highlighted the Organisation's major achievements in professional empowerment. He emphasised that People of Determination have tremendous potential, provided the community also believes in them. Al Kamali said, 'Inclusion does not stop at providing services, it is a belief in human potential and the right to dignity and participation.' He noted that the UAE is driven by a deep conviction in the abilities of People of Determination. The Organisation developed the first national vocational qualification specifically for them, creating real opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. This translates inclusion into an economy of innovation and calls for investing in people and building a fairer, more participatory world. Hamad Hazza Al Darmaki, a coach at Al Ain Club for People of Determination, shared his personal journey: 'I returned from my studies in the US not only with a degree but with a mission. I founded the first football team for the Deaf in the UAE and the first official association for them. I also contributed to developing the Emirati Sign Language Dictionary in cooperation with the Zayed Higher Organisation and the UAE Deaf Association, to preserve our visual language and cultural identity.' He added, 'True empowerment is when we are the ones writing the chapters of change. My participation in the committee to host the 20th World Federation of the Deaf Congress in 2027 in Abu Dhabi was a source of national pride. Today, I continue as a coach at Al Ain Club for People of Determination, nurturing new talents and advocating for empowerment through sports and education.' Mira Al Shamsi, a genomic analyst at the Organisation and Vice Chair of the Health Committee at Rehabilitation International, stated: 'Comprehensive and inclusive health is not an additional service, it is a fundamental human right that must be ensured for all, especially persons with disabilities.' She emphasised the need to redesign health systems to be built with and for persons with disabilities, based on the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity enshrined in the Convention. She noted that the Zayed Higher Organisation applies a data-driven, equity-based approach, where participation in the Emirati Genome Programme is not limited to diagnosis, but also aims to design tailored health and educational interventions that meet individual needs and consider genetic diversity and social context. She underscored that building inclusive health systems requires cross-sector partnerships and real empowerment of persons with disabilities as rights-holders, not merely service recipients. She concluded, 'The UAE is committed to continuing to work in line with the principles of the CRPD to ensure fair, accessible, and human rights-based health for all.' Maryam Al Qubaisi, activist and MS Ambassador, concluded, 'I was diagnosed with the disease at 17, and it changed my dreams, but I chose to be the voice of those who aren't heard. The real barriers are not in the body but in thoughts and society.' She spoke about her 'Inclusive Design for Inclusion' initiative, affirming, 'True innovation begins when we design technology with, not for, People of Determination. Technology should not just race ahead, it must include everyone.'
Al Etihad
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Zayed Higher Organisation raises voices of People of Determination from United Nations platform
11 June 2025 20:26 NEW YORK (WAM)During its participation in the official side event of the COSP18 conference in New York, the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) highlighted inspiring stories, innovative solutions, and called for inclusive and comprehensive Organisation reaffirmed its leadership in bringing the UAE's experience in empowering and integrating People of Determination to global forums, through its active participation in the official side event at the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18), held at the United Nations headquarters in New York under the theme: "Empowering Inclusive Development through Disability-Inclusive Action and Effective Partnerships."During the session, organised by the ZHO in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the United Nations and Rehabilitation International, a distinguished group of decision-makers, experts, and activists from around the world Organisation delivered a global call to action for joint work, continued collaboration, transcending borders, and fostering inclusion and empowerment for People of Determination in every also conveyed a clear message to the world: empowerment only happens through partnership, and the future cannot be truly inclusive unless all people, in all their diversity, are at the centre of policies and the session, the ZHO announced the launch of the International Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, a specialised research platform that enhances the scientific impact to serve People of Determination in partnership with Rehabilitation International, the journal aims to promote impactful scientific research that makes a difference in the lives of People of Determination his recorded opening remarks, Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organisation and Vice President of Rehabilitation International for the MENA Region, emphasised the importance of collective action to enhance inclusion across borders from the UAE to the stated, 'Our participation in this event reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to making inclusion and integration a sustainable approach that guarantees equal opportunities for People of Determination to participate, excel, and lead. At the ZHO, we believe that inclusion is not optional; it is essential to build a more just and sustainable future. Through this session, we have shared successful human experiences, based on a national vision of empowerment, with countries around the world. We are not here to promote achievement, but to present a practical model that reflects the vision of our wise leadership for an inclusive society that provides opportunities and supports human diversity.'He added, 'We do not merely provide care and rehabilitation services, but we are building an empowerment ecosystem that believes every individual, regardless of their abilities, has a role in the development process. This is not just a slogan, but a national commitment reinforced by the UAE's policies and implemented by the ZHO in all its initiatives.'Al Humaidan also addressed the participants from different countries, 'People of Determination are not just a topic for discussion at conferences—they are partners in policymaking and solutions. This is a firm belief we hold, embodied in our partnerships with both the public and private sectors, and with international organisations.'In a paper titled 'Success Stories and Inclusive Solutions' presented by Abdullah Al Kamali, Executive Director of the People of Determination Sector at the Organisation, he highlighted the Organisation's major achievements in professional empowerment. Additionally, he emphasised that People of Determination have tremendous potential, provided the community also believes in Kamali said, 'Inclusion does not stop at providing services, it is a belief in human potential and the right to dignity and participation.'He noted that the UAE is driven by a deep conviction in the abilities of People of Organisation developed the first national vocational qualification specifically for them, creating real opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. This translates inclusion into an economy of innovation and calls for investing in people and building a fairer, more participatory Hazza Al Darmaki, a coach at Al Ain Club for People of Determination, shared his personal journey, 'I returned from my studies in the US not only with a degree but with a mission. I founded the first football team for the Deaf in the UAE and the first official association for them. I also contributed to developing the Emirati Sign Language Dictionary in cooperation with the Zayed Higher Organisation and the UAE Deaf Association, to preserve our visual language and cultural identity.'He added, 'True empowerment is when we are the ones writing the chapters of change. My participation in the committee to host the 20th World Federation of the Deaf Congress in 2027 in Abu Dhabi was a source of national pride. Today, I continue as a coach at Al Ain Club for People of Determination, nurturing new talents and advocating for empowerment through sports and education.'Mira Al Shamsi, a genomic analyst at the Organisation and Vice Chair of the Health Committee at Rehabilitation International, stated, 'Comprehensive and inclusive health is not an additional service, it is a fundamental human right that must be ensured for all, especially persons with disabilities.' She emphasised the need to redesign health systems to be built with and for persons with disabilities, based on the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity enshrined in the noted that the Zayed Higher Organisation applies a data-driven, equity-based approach, where participation in the Emirati Genome Programme is not limited to diagnosis, but also aims to design tailored health and educational interventions that meet individual needs and consider genetic diversity and social underscored that building inclusive health systems requires cross-sector partnerships and real empowerment of persons with disabilities as rights-holders, not merely service recipients. She concluded, 'The UAE is committed to continuing to work in line with the principles of the CRPD to ensure fair, accessible, and human rights-based health for all.'Maryam Al Qubaisi, activist and MS Ambassador, concluded, 'I was diagnosed with the disease at 17, and it changed my dreams, but I chose to be the voice of those who aren't heard. The real barriers are not in the body but in thoughts and society.' She spoke about her 'Inclusive Design for Inclusion' initiative, affirming, 'True innovation begins when we design technology with, not for, People of Determination. Technology should not just race ahead; it must include everyone.'
Al Etihad
09-06-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Ministry of Family, 'Zayed Higher Organisation' expand scope of collaboration
9 June 2025 12:48 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Ministry of Family and Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) have announced a joint initiative to develop an innovative and integrated service system tailored to the needs and aspirations of People of initiative aligns with the UAE's strategic direction to strengthen government collaboration in delivering comprehensive services, enhancing quality of life, and promoting social inclusion for People of initiative includes the issuance of a single unified card, recognised at both federal and local levels, to facilitate access to various services by January this collaboration, both parties commit to aligning legislations and regulations, and to the full implementation of the Unified National Disability also pledge to unify standards for diagnosis and assessment and to accept applications for the People of Determination card for residents of Abu Dhabi through Zayed Higher joint training programmes will be coordinated, and expertise and knowledge will be exchanged to enhance the capabilities of national professionals in this Undersecretary for the Development Sector at the Ministry of Family, Hessa Abdulrahman Tahlak, emphasised that this partnership reflects the government's ongoing commitment to enhancing the role of People of Determination in the UAE community. It directly translates the vision of the wise leadership, which has consistently prioritised this said, 'We see People of Determination as a cornerstone of our social fabric, fully entitled to their rights and eager to contribute meaningfully to their country's development. This collaboration with Zayed Higher Organisation is an extension of the UAE's approach, which has turned inclusive support from a slogan into a living reality.'"We are not merely providing services, we are building a humane and social system where difference becomes a driver for excellence and challenges, a gateway to opportunities. Guided by our leadership, every effort in this path aims to affirm the role of everyone among People of Determination as an active and influential contributor to society, receiving the respect, care, and full support they deserve throughout their lives.'Secretary-General of ZHO, Abdullah Al Humaidan, affirmed the importance of the collaboration with the Ministry of Family, describing it as a strategic step toward improving and unifying services for People of Determination through integration that enhances access, strengthens diagnosis mechanisms, develops training programmes, and fosters institutional also highlighted the adoption of technology and digital integration to raise service efficiency and ensure the full inclusion of People of said, 'We believe that creating an inclusive environment for People of Determination starts with effective institutional cooperation. This partnership represents an integrated model that seeks to unify efforts and deliver services that meet the aspirations of People of Determination throughout the country.'He added that Zayed Higher Organisation's commitment to providing equal, high-quality services reflects its vision of empowering these groups and enabling their full participation in entities are working to enhance the protection of rights for People of Determination, unify responses to inquiries through various communication channels, and ensure the Organisation's participation in relevant local and international events. They also commit to conducting benchmarking of systems, working hours, and needs of People of Determination, as well as exchanging the best local and global technological solutions such as data-sharing networks and the expansion of smart application use will be cooperation also aims to develop curricula and facilities in care and rehabilitation centres and to raise public awareness of issues related to People of Determination through joint campaigns and activities that contribute to building an inclusive and supportive environment. Both sides will monitor the employment stability of People of Determination and provide the necessary support for their professional empowerment.
Al Etihad
05-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and China Disabled Persons' Federation sign Memorandum of Understanding
5 June 2025 17:23 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) during an official visit by a delegation from ZHO to the Federation's headquarters in Beijing, as part of its ongoing efforts to expand international partnerships and enhance the exchange of expertise to serve and empower People of Determination. This step marks a significant milestone toward strengthening international cooperation in the field of supporting and empowering People of MoU was signed on behalf of ZHO by His Excellency Abdullah Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Secretary-General, and on behalf of the Chinese side by Zhou Changkui, Chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation. The signing ceremony took place at the Federation's headquarters in the presence of senior officials from both sides and members of the UAE diplomatic mission in Beijing. The atmosphere reflected the strong bilateral relations and the shared appreciation for the vital role played by support institutions for People of new MoU aims to broaden the scope of cooperation between the two entities and foster the exchange of expertise and knowledge in the fields of education, rehabilitation, employment, arts, culture, sports, and all services provided to People of Determination. It includes organising mutual visits for specialists and experts to share best practices, conducting joint workshops and training programmes for professionals in the field, and collaborating on research and innovations related to services and MoU also provides for the exchange of periodic reports on joint activities and performance enhancement through ongoing evaluation, all to further develop services for People of Determination in the UAE and the People's Republic of Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, welcomed the signing of the new MoU, and said: 'Renewing[AE1] this MoU reflects our deep belief in the importance of joint work and knowledge exchange in supporting and empowering People of Determination. Our relationship with the China Disabled Persons' Federation is strategic and has already produced successful projects, such as the Emirati-Chinese Sign Language Dictionary – the first bilingual sign language dictionary between the UAE and China. This initiative aims to enable the deaf communities in both countries to communicate, interact, and foster cultural and linguistic understanding.'He added that ZHO looks forward, through this MoU, to opening new avenues of cooperation aligned with the aspirations of our wise leadership and to improving the quality of life for People of Determination. He stressed that international cooperation and the sharing of successful experiences are essential pillars for developing services, especially amid rapid advancements in rehabilitation, employment, and social empowerment technologies. He noted that the MoU paves the way for new joint initiatives based on innovation and shared knowledge, enhancing the sustainability of ZHO's programmes and directly benefiting People of Determination in both Changkui, Chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, affirmed that the MoU builds upon the constructive cooperation between the two parties.'We value the strong relations with Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and look forward to further developing them to achieve our shared goals of delivering more inclusive and innovative services. The bilingual dictionary project has been one of the most prominent outcomes of this cooperation, and we look forward to many more achievements in the future.'The visit also featured several cultural activities, including a tour of the Imperial Palace Museum and a sensory experience within a specially designed exhibition for People of Determination. Through such international MoUs, Zayed Higher Organization continues to advance the vision of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in serving People of Determination. Zayed Higher Organization seeks to build bridges of cooperation and exchange expertise with all relevant entities locally, regionally, and globally, in pursuit of its mission to ensure the comprehensive empowerment and full inclusion of People of Determination in society. These strategic partnerships with leading international institutions help transfer and localise knowledge and foster innovation in services dedicated to this important segment of society.
